CONTEXT CLUES Context Clues are hints that the author gives to help define a difficult or unusual word.

The clue may appear within the same sentence as the word to which it refers, or it may follow in a preceding sentence. Because most of your vocabulary is gained through reading, it is important that you be able to recognize and take advantage of context clues. Types of context clues. There are at least four kinds of context clues that are quite common. Synonym A synonym, or word with the same meaning, is used in the sentence. My opponent's argument is fallacious, misleading plain wrong.

Antonym

A word or group of words that has the opposite meaning reveals the meaning of an unknown term. Although some men are loquacious, others hardly talk at all.

Explanation

The unknown word is explained within the sentence or in a sentence immediately preceding. The patient is so somnolent that she requires medication to help her stay awake for more than a short time.

Example

Specific examples are used to define the term. Celestial bodies, such as the sun, moon, and stars, are governed by predictable laws.

Read the following sentences and define the bolded word based on the context clue. Then identify which of the four types of clues is used. 1. The girl who used to be very vociferous doesn't talk much anymore. 2. Pedagogical institutions, including high schools, kindergartens, and colleges, require community support to function efficiently. 3. He was so parsimonious that he refused to give his own sons the few pennies they needed to buy pencils for school. It truly hurt him to part with his money. 4. His pertinacity, or stubbornness, is the cause of most of his trouble. 5. Rather than be involved in clandestine meetings, they did everything quite openly. 6. Ecclesiastics, such as priests, ministers, and pastors, should set models of behavior for their congregants. 7. The girl was churlish rude, sullen and absolutely ill-mannered. 8. Because the conflagration was aided by wind, it was so destructive that every building in the area was completely burned to the ground.

excerpted from Irwin L. Joffe's Opportunity for Successful Reading, 3rd ed., 153-55

ANSWER KEY TO CONTEXT CLUES HANDOUT 1. Type of Context Cluecontrast definition of vociferoustalkative; outspoken 2. Type of Context Clueexample definition pedagogicalhaving to do with teaching 3. Type of Context Clueexplanation definition of parsimoniousstingy; tightfisted 4. Type of Context Cluesynonym definition of pertinacitymulish; stubborn 5. Type of Context Cluecontrast definition of clandestinesecret; hidden 6. Type of Context Clueexample definition of ecclesiasticsmember of the clergy 7. Type of Context Cluesynonym definition of sullenrude 8. Type of Context Clueexplanation definition of conflagrationfire

Practice Context Clues Answers Read The answers to the multiple choice are coded red, the context is in green, and the type of context clue is in purple text. 1. Joan loves to buy exotic foods: vegetables and herbs from China, spices from India, olives from Greece, and cheeses from France. EXAMPLE from other places 2. Emotionally disturbed people may be troubled by morbid thoughts. For instance, they may often think about suicide or murder. EXAMPLE dealing with death 3. At first, the surgery seemed to be successful. But several hours later, the patients condition began to deteriorate, and it continued to worsenover the next few days. RESTATEMENT decay or decline 4. In Dickens A Christmas Carol, the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge is visited by three spirits who changed him into a generous man. CONTRAST cheapskate 5. Raul is an indulgent father. For instance, he lets his daughter stay up as late as she likes and he never insists that she does her homework. EXAMPLE lenient and tolerant 6. Languages evolve over time, as you can see if you open a page of The Canterbury Tales, written about six hundred years ago by the English poet Chaucer. It is barely recognizable as English today. GENERAL KNOWLEDGE develop 7. The decision Veronica made to study instead of going out for pizza with her friends was prudent. She got an A on the exam, while her friends all got Ds. GENERAL KNOWLEDGE careful and wise 8. Whenever something bad happens to Jane, she ways its the fault of destiny. But I prefer to take charge of my own life rather than simply blaming fate*. GENERAL KNOWLEDGE/RESTATEMENT* event that happens regardless

9. My father died when I was a baby, but Mom told me so many stories about him that I feel I knew him well. For example, one anecdote was about how he cried with joy when I was born*. RESTATEMENT/EXAMPLE* biographical account 10. Ivan is a wonderful piano player. But Jerri is more versatile; she sings, acts, paints and writes poetry, and also plays the piano. EXAMPLE many abilities 11. This third grade was full of precocious children. One child had learned to read at two and another could do algebra at age 6. EXAMPLE active 12. I expected truthfulness from a doctor; I was shocked by his mendacity. CONTRAST duplicity 13. When my grandfather meets someone with that much knowledge in a field, he finds that their erudition frightens him and he is inclined to withdraw. RESTATEMENT scholarliness 14. When going to an office party you should show your best decorum, for example, dress your best, drink and eat moderately, and be sure to thank the host before you leave. EXAMPLE civility 15. We thought that the mother would be very distraught at hearing of her husband's accident; however, she took the news quite calmly.CONTRAST anxious 16. It is refreshing to see students so excited, so zealous in doing their homework. RESTATEMENT dedicated